Tropical depression and we're off...

Hurricane season is off with a tropical depression and plenty of warning about being ready for another big one to hit the coast this year.

Check out the KALB Storm Team 5 Weather Blog where the subject is the tropics and has some interesting discussion.

Local emergency management agencies tell us they are ready. Plans are being developed for a new evacuation center in Cenla and a quick visit to the local Walmart we made shows people stocking up.

Reporter Diana Iles tells us in this report there are three areas you may want to focus on when getting prepared; review your insurance plans, store valuable documents and stock up on necessities.

Here are some websites you may want to bookmark for the season, the State of Louisiana emergency management site and a cool website the best in business use for all of the hurricane information they can get.

Are you ready?

Nagin for Governor?

Cnn.com has this item about New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin. Sources say he is considering a bid for governor. He says he is often asked when visiting with residents if he will run.

Say what you wish, Nagin running would certainly gain national attention and make the run for governor of our state interesting.

No word from the other candidates just yet.

Louisiana Libertarian State Party here.

The Louisiana Libertarian State Party is holding its 2006-2007 State Convention in Alexandria this weekend.

What is a Libertarian? Here is one definition from Wikipedia.
"Libertarianism is a political philosophy maintaining that all persons are the absolute owners of their own lives, and should be free to do whatever they wish with their persons or property, provided they allow others the same liberty and avoid abusing their liberty."

According to a press release, Saturday is the big day with the morning guest speaker being Joe Vaughn of the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Also speaking, Kevin Lavine a retired state trooper who will deliver a presentation on the prohibition of drugs and answer questions.

After lunch the Libertarian Presidential Candidates George Phillies and Daniel Imperato will deliver speeches and then answer questions from the audience.

If you are interested, all events are being held at the Holiday Inn Express in Alexandria this weekend.

Why won't Edwards talk to us?

We came across this article in nola.com of a recent visit with former Governor Edwin Edwards.

Jim Gill of the Times Picayune begins his piece...
"OAKDALE -- Laughter and animated conversation fill the air, especially at our table on the verandah this sunny May morning, but the mood, if not slightly forced, cannot be typical of this place.
It is visiting day at the federal prison camp in Oakdale, where I have come to see former Gov. Edwin Edwards, whose continued confinement should offend any sense of justice or decency."

It reminds us that we have requested a visit with the former Governor as well and wonder why he is not interested in talking with us. We are, after all, one of the news organizations he grew up with. If Edwards watches local news we are one of his choices.

So we ask again, Mr. Edwards, if you are inclined to grant an interview to your local news source please call us in the KALB-TV newsroom (318) 445-6397 and we will look forward to seeing you again. Maybe a Video Blog?

The New Orleans Levee - FREE Satire in the City

A friend gave us a copy of a newspaper produced in New Orleans described as "free satire in the city."
It is called The New Orleans Levee and the newspaper is filled with snappy repartee. This is the kind of stuff that has you laughing out loud and grabbing the phone to call someone and read it out loud.
The issue given to me is Volume 1, Issue 6. The headline blaring "City Hall now officially a joke"
Yes, it is sad. Yes, the news is at times raunchy and disrespectful (warning - this stuff is for adults) but it is funny, and some might say during these tough times it is important to keep your sense of humor.
Check out The New Orleans Levee, if not just to have a quick laugh, just to see how others in New Orleans are trying to find humor in all of the absurdity.

Farrar to seek reelection

As expected Representative Rick Farrar (D) of House District 27 will seek reelection.

According to the Legislature web page his committee assignments are as follows;
Insurance, Vice Chair
Judiciary
Ways and Means
Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay
Legislative Audit Advisory Council

He is an attorney and has one challenger for the seat Chris Hazel who announced several weeks ago.